For already complete buildings that are either replacing their bathroom fixtures, or doing a complete fit out of public washrooms, surface mounted soap dispensers are the way to go. Bobricks is the big name in the industry, and they make a thorough, good-looking range of surface mounted dispensers. Here we look at what to watch out for when you're installing one of their commercial foam soap dispensers in your washroom.
Clearances
Watch out for protrusions above each of the dispensers. Some bathrooms place their architectural paper towel dispensers above sinks or lavatories, and some have shelving below mirrors but above the dispenser. Necessary clearances for Bobrick dispensers vary quite a bit. Where Liquidmate dispensers require only an inch clearance above them, most models require at least 4" clearance.
Mounting Types
You'll need to source your own mountings for some models of global soap dispensers. For example, when mounting on plaster or dry wall, you'll need concealed backing that complies with building codes in the local area, but can mount simply with the screws that come in the pack. Hollow tile walls will require round head toggle bolts in most instances, and for brick, concrete and solid-tile walls you can use the screws furnished with the dispenser, along with fiber plugs, or simply provide your own expansion bolts. Some Bobrick bath accessories can be mounted on mirrors or glass surfaces - the models suitable for this will have pressure sensitive tape included. If there is no pressure sensitive tape, don’t provide your own - the unit will be too heavy when full to be safely affixed with tape.
Adjusting for Use
With powdered soap Bobrick dispensers, the amount of soap dispensed needs to be adjusted by screw (rather than by the end user simply using a lighter touch). The direction of turn is intuitive - tighten the screw for less soap per stroke, or loosen it off to let more through.
Troubleshooting
With some models of Bobrick bath accessories, the soap vessel must be completely engaged with the wall bracket's groove for the soap to dispense. If nothing comes out when you test, check this first.
If the pressure sensitive tape won't hold up the dispenser when full, remove the entire unit, clean any tape residue off the surface and reapply the tape, allowing to cure for 24 hours before filling the dispenser. If you'll be off-site, let the owner know when they'll be able to fill her up.
Maintenance and Filling
Even if you won’t be doing it yourself, chances are you'll have to let someone know what their soap dispensers can take. Bobrick liquid soap dispensers are made for all-purpose hand soaps, and newer or specialty soaps can degrade some of the interior parts. Hand sanitizers containing alcohol, and iodine-based surgical soaps can't be used in a Bobrick.
Owners or maintainers of the dispensers will only need to wipe over the surface of the dispenser daily, but the inner parts will periodically need to be cleaned with warm soapy water also. Abrasive soaps shouldn’t be used - they'll degrade the plastic innards of the dispenser.
